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Working as an Architect in British Columbia

British Columbia offers numerous work opportunities for those with architectural training. This includes working for a Canadian architect or architectural firm, or doing other work within the design and construction sector.

It is not necessary to be registered or licensed as an architect when working under the supervision of an architect. However, if you do wish to practice architecture in British Columbia, you must be registered through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).

AIBC registration is typically done through formal standards of education, experience and examination.  This includes persons with alternative qualifications gained either through broad professional experience or foreign training combined with professional experience. Qualification is earned by demonstrating equivalency with “The Three Es” – the AIBC’s formal standards of education, experience and examinations.

The Three Es

To be registered as an architect in British Columbia, you must have, or demonstrate the equivalent of, the following:

• Education:  A degree in architecture recognized through certification by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB);
• Experience:  Work experience as an Intern Architect; and
• Examination:  Architectural Registration Examinations.

If you do not have one or more of the three Es, you can still register by demonstrating the necessary equivalencies. Most foreign-trained or alternatively qualified practitioners will need to demonstrate equivalency in one or more of the categories.

For foreign-trained architects seeking certification in British Columbia, the necessary steps are as follows:

Step 1: Education Assessment

Have your architectural degree(s) certified by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB.)  To download an application form, visit the CACB web site and look under “Certification”. The direct link to the form.

If you have a professional degree and have been a registered and practising architect for at least seven years, you may be eligible to have the CACB certification requirement waived, depending on the strength of your academic record as well as the length, breadth, and depth of experience you can demonstrate. If you wish to have the CACB certification requirement waived, contact the AIBC’s Registration & Licensing Department. If a waiver is granted, you will still need to clearly demonstrate equivalency of Canadian Education Standard (CES) requirements through your portfolio. You can find the CES information on the CACB web site. Click on the form titled “Degree or Diploma not accredited by CACB - for graduates of foreign schools of architecture.  Request for Assessment of Academic Qualifications”.  The CES is spelled out in detail on pages 14 – 21 of that form.

If you do not have an architectural degree and are applying as a broadly experienced practitioner, you will need to demonstrate (CES) equivalencies in your portfolio.

Step 2: Submit Application/Portfolio

Fill out the appropriate application forms, gather the required documents, and prepare a portfolio of architectural experience and professional works that demonstrates the requirements of education, experience and examinations as outlined. Submit your application package and required fees to the AIBC.  Completed applications are then referred to the Qualifications Committee review and recommendation.  If the committee decides your application should proceed, you will be contacted and instructed to prepare for an oral assessment.

Step 3: Oral Assessment

The Oral Assessment is an interview conducted by a panel of three AIBC members. During the Oral Assessment, you will be asked to demonstrate your equivalencies for education, experience and examination. The intent is to graphically demonstrate one’s understanding of the role and responsibilities of an architect from schematic design to occupancy. Assessments usually take between one and one-and-a-half hours to complete.

Step 4: Required AIBC Professional Development (PD) Courses

The AIBC provides Professional Development (PD) courses that are mandatory for Foreign Trained Architects (FTA) as well as Broadly Experienced Architects (BEA) and Intern Architects (IA).  Each candidate must complete a total of six PD courses. They are typically offered two or three times each year and must be completed prior to attending the Oral Review, the final step in the process.

Step 5: Oral Review

The Oral Review interview is designed to assess whether or not an individual has the ability to synthesize his or her knowledge, experience, and professional judgment into competent architectural practice in British Columbia.  Candidates by this point should have local experience, attended the AIBC courses and be familiar with AIBC documents.  Candidates are asked to bring a set of construction documents for at least one building more complex than a typical single-family residence, with which they have been involved, as well as a letter from their employer outlining the extent of their participation with this project.